Singapore 2011-2015: A Tale of Two Elections

Singapore stands out as one of the unique cases in which a one-party system thrives amidst increasing affluence. However, ever since the 2011 General Election, when the PAP experienced its worst electoral performance in the history of the country, many have started to question the survivability of the one-party system. In particular, some argue that the rise of post-materialism among younger voters and a maturing opposition pose a threat to the PAP’s dominance. Based on survey data collected from a sample survey among 560 Singaporean voters, this research study argues that the PAP’s dominance is very much entrenched. In other words, the one-party system is likely to survive despite the changing political landscape of Singapore. This is due to four main factors: (1) the PAP’s credibility (2) the conservatism of society (3) a weak opposition and (4) the PAP’s ability to adapt to change.

American Journal of Qualitative Research, 2019

Drawing upon personal interviews, I present the opinions of leading Singaporean opposition politicians and activists about developments and issues in Singapore politics covering the period 1996-2013, which I characterise as a period of stagnation, fall and rise for the opposition. The purpose of the article is to explore and understand the history of Singapore's opposition, as experienced and told by participants in the drama. I attended opposition social functions in order to understand more about the movement and to gain access to study participants whom I then interviewed, mostly on a one-on-one basis. The sampling method used can best be described as snowball sampling, working in conjunction with convenience sampling. My aim was to interview people of a mix of genders, ages, party affiliations, and politician-versus-activist status. Most of the interviews with my 24 interviewees were conducted over the period March 2010 to October 2011. My interview results show that the Singapore opposition activist community, while small outside of election campaigns during this era (probably numbering no more than fifty), was passionate and committed to taking the city-state away from what its members perceived to be the authoritarian pathway set up by the ruling regime. The Workers' Party's (WP) rapid rise from obscurity to become Singapore's second-strongest political force over the 2006-13 period surprised many commentators. The WP's ability to secure high vote percentages and even win seats based on brand factor alone (or primarily) was an important new development.

2014

Since 1948, general elections have been held to elect representatives to Singapore’s legislature. The first election was held in 1948 to elect six unofficial members to the 22-seat Legislative Council. The electorate was, however, limited to British subjects. Over time, the number of local representatives in the legislature as well as the size of the electorate increased alongside constitutional developments in Singapore. In 1968, Singapore held its first general election as an independent nation. However, one single party- PAP always wins since the beginning up to now. In this paper, we briefly give the overview demographic background of Singapore. Further, we analyze the past general elections and find the reason behind PAP’s victory. We also explore how tradition Chinese culture influences Singapore’s political issue, and we call a true democracy for Singapore society.

This essay will discuss the possible political dynamic between People’s Action Party (PAP) and an emerging minority party in general, which needs not be WP in case of any political self-destruction, within the construct of a two-party system as there is insufficient political space for other parties. The emergence of the discerning electorate will be the most important factor affecting national politics today by shaping the political dynamic through fuelling the rejuvenation of the opposition in General Elections (GE) 2011 and forcing the minority party to have a broad political base with a centrist policy platform. Although PAP cannot fully addresses the electorate’s demand for credible political opposition and the minority party’s renewed challenge, this essay argues that it will not lose power.

Central European Institute of Asian Studies (CEIAS) , 2020

With the July 2020 election Singapore’s political system returned to normalcy in non-normal times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite significant losses, the People’s Action Party (PAP) remains the predominant party. The relatively strong result of the opposition, however, demonstrates the wish of the Singaporean citizens for more pluralism and alternative narratives.

Singapore is often regarded as an authoritarian state by outsiders, but the nation’s history tells a much deeper story. In the years preceding and immediately following the Second World War, Singapore was a cosmopolitan society based on social activism and participatory democracy. However, the tumultuous years surrounding the Malayan Emergency and the nation’s merger and separation from Malaysia gave rise to the rule of the People’s Action Party, whose actions proceeded to dismantle Singapore’s civil society. These actions were not a simple power grab, but were seen as necessary for the nation’s survival within the Confucianist mindset of the PAP and their leader, Lee Kuan Yew. But in the 21st century, Singapore’s forgotten past of public activism and civil engagement is beginning to show signs of reawakening.

Singapore's brand of 'democracy' poses peculiar and difficult challenges to the Republic's Opposition parties